The increasing popularity of electric cars these past few years is great news for those looking for clean-running family transportation. With more new cars comes more second hand cars, driving down prices and making some seriously impressive options far more affordable.
We’ve put together a list of ten of the best family friendly electric cars out there, covering a wide variety of different sizes and styles. From practical estates to handy hatchbacks and high-riding SUVs, we’ve got examples of each.
Whichever you pick, you’ll find it far smoother and quieter than a regular petrol or diesel car with many delivering brisk acceleration. Switching from the ease of filling with fuel to the need to plan out charging stops in advance does take some getting used to, but the cost benefits and relaxed driving experience help offset that.
1. Skoda Enyaq iV
The Enyaq iV has pulled off an exceptional blend of value, useful functionality and space – having lots of room for five people and a huge boot. It offers a driving range of up to 331 miles per charge, making it easier to use than many of the other vehicles on this list.
2. Volkswagen ID.3
The ID.3 is exactly what an electric car should be right now – forward-looking, fun to drive, fast if you need it to be, and capable of decent driving distances as well. This Golf-sized hatchback has plenty of room for a regular family and looks great, too. We like it a lot.
3. Volvo XC40 Recharge
Being a Volvo, the electric XC40 Recharge is safe, beautifully designed, beautifully built and spacious. Because electric drive was considered right from the outset, you don’t even lose much boot space – in fact you gain more of it in the front where the engine used to be. It’s n§ot cheap, mind.
4. Tesla Model 3
If you’re considering an electric car you will surely have thought about a Tesla. The Model 3 offers huge performance, long driving ranges, and access to what is still the best charging network. Many love the simple interior, too.
5. Kia Soul EV
The Soul a box on wheels – meaning lots of space for the family – but it carries itself with real style. You get a solid 280-mile driving range from the 64kWh battery version and impressive acceleration, too. However, the boot won’t be big enough for some.
6. MG 5 EV
If it’s a big boot you’re after, the MG 5 EV could be the solution – it’s the only electric vehicle on this list that comes in a traditional estate car body. That means a minimum of 464 litres of bootspace; not quite as much as the incredible Skoda Enyaq, but the MG 5 costs less than many smaller rivals. Bargain.
7. Citroen e-C4
Citroen has long been a paragon of comfortable cars, and the e-C4 electric SUV is a fine return to this form. It rides so much better than many rivals, making it ideal for bumpy urban roads on the school run and long-distance motorway trips. Meanwhile, the coupe roofline gives it plenty of style points.
8. Renault Zoe E-Tech
There are other small electric cars that might be sexier – the Fiat 500 Electric, for example – but the Renault Zoe manages to be commendably compact yet practical. For a start you get rear doors for easy back-seat access and an impressive 245-mile official range.
9. BMW i3
No other family-sized electric car is this forward-thinking in its design or construction, while the narrow body and punchy performance makes the i3 a joy around town. Impressively given its compact dimensions, there is still a generous amount of space inside. A small boot, modest range and firm ride are the downsides.
10. Peugeot e-2008
The e-2008 uses similar technology to the Citroen e-C4, but with a longer roofline it’s a more spacious and practical package for passengers. A word of warning – not everyone will get on with the tiny, squared-off steering wheel and the potentially compromised driving position – both steadfast Peugeot signatures now.